Are you reeling from an unexpected pregnancy, completely overwhelmed by your circumstances, but striving to move toward a positive outcome? Maybe you’re questioning how your pregnancy options (abortion, adoption, and parenting) could impact your overall wellness down the road. If you’re considering abortion, you’re probably interested in learning about the post-abortion recovery process. It’s important to gather all the facts and learn what to expect before finalizing your decision. If you’re wondering how long you’ll need to take a break after an abortion, we’re here to help.
It’s generally very helpful to invite someone you trust into this process. Consider speaking with someone like a family member or mentor about your upcoming pregnancy choice. Our expert consultants and nurses at Avenue Women’s Center are available to partner with you throughout your pregnancy journey too. We’re a limited medical clinic offering no-cost early pregnancy services to persons in Chicagoland, Illinois and beyond.
Avenue Women’s Center is dedicated to providing important early pregnancy services to equip anyone in a decision-making process. It’s our role to provide accurate information with a posture of genuine care. Learn more about us!
The Physical Effects of Abortion
A lot of unique factors may influence the post-abortion recovery process. According to WebMD, the age of the pregnancy at the time of the abortion and the abortion method utilized (medical or surgical) are two significant considerations. Both come with risks and side effects, as does any medical procedure. These are a few common post-abortion symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding lasting up to 4 weeks, which may be heavy or minimal
- Cramps, which typically last a few days
- Nausea or vomiting, which usually dissipates within a few days
- Breast tenderness for up to 10 days
Ideally, you will speak with a qualified medical professional before choosing to end your pregnancy. When the abortion procedure takes place as expected, some persons can resume their daily activities as early as one day after the abortion, while the road to recovery is longer for others. The process looks different for every individual, although it’s important to rest and practice self-care no matter what. If you decide to have an abortion, be sure to follow medical recommendations and keep in touch with a healthcare provider as your body recovers.
The Emotional Effects of Abortion
Per WebMD, pregnancy hormones still in your body may impact your mood after an abortion. Additionally, many persons experience lingering emotional effects or difficult feelings that surface later on. As with the physical recovery process, the emotional recovery process is different for everyone. Sadness, relief, guilt, anger, or a complex mix of these emotions may be felt following an abortion. It may be challenging to predict your emotional response. However, reflecting on the potential outcomes ahead of your decision may offer some helpful insight. How do you think you’d react based on your beliefs, goals, and values? It’s important to acknowledge that the abortion recovery process does include an emotional element, which may have a lasting effect. And this can impact your ability to continue your normal routine, as can physical symptoms. It’s critical to seek emotional support both before and after your pregnancy decision is made.
Your circumstances may feel overwhelming, but if you continue to process your next steps with care, you’ll be well on your way to making a pregnancy decision you can feel confident in. Avenue Women’s Center seeks to empower you for the road ahead through education and support. Our free early pregnancy services (lab-quality pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, options consultations, and more) can offer the facts you need to make a well-informed choice. We’re here for you, no matter where your journey leads!
Contact us to schedule an appointment!
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Reference:
WebMD. (2022, August). Self-Care After an Abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/women/abortion-self-care-after
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.